I would like to do a boat trip along the gulf coast of Florida in the spring with my two kids ages 7 & 8. I want to teach them how to spearfish and harvest stone crab etc. Would like to hear from others who have done the trip, with opinions on it. We would like to sell our catch to restaurants and other cruising boaters as we go. Any thoughts are appreciated.

It's a great and scenic area for boating. Stone crab harvesting is a carefully controlled and licensed activity. I don't think you'd be able to sell fish or crab claws to restaurants.
When and for how long are you talking about? In spring aren't the kids in school?

Patrick, good questions. I can answer most. I am a commercial fisherman in Venice FL, so I can harvest stones as well as commercial quantities of snapper, grouper, sheepshead etc. I am also a licensed seafood dealer, believe it or not, so I can sell to restaurants and retail. You are very correct about the restrictions on harvesting, altho there are allowed recreational quantities of all these species including stone crab claws. Recreational catches may not be sold or bartered. I posted once before about this trip and was ripped soundly by folks who thought I was making up the above. I knew it to be important.

As to timing, I want to go in late Feb., while the water is still cold. That time of year the artificial reefs and bridges are still loaded with fish (and lost anchors ). Our kids are all 4 home schooled, so taking the little ones would actually be a part of their education. Biology, ecology, economics, engineering, chart reading etc., and of course the best part quality time with daddy.

Our trip will likely start in Naples and work north through our home area (Charlotte Harbor to Tampa Bay), and then on as far as the kids enjoy it. Momma will join us as we go past home and perhaps deliver some fish to prearranged clients but after we clear Tampa we will be on our own. The challenge for me will be to keep it fun for the kids and see how far we can go.

Looking for all the opinions I can get, good or bad.

Wow, sal. Now that you've explained yourself, I can't help but wonder what you hope to find here. I'd be surprised if anyone has even half the information and knowledge you already possess about your plan. Sounds like a great plan to me, though.

Patrick, Thanks for your kind words. I guess I`m looking for info on gunkholes (anchorages), fun places etc. as well as hopefully encouragement from other parents. I`d like to know more about places like Cross City, Suwanee, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee(sp?), as well as areas south.

Sal, I've not spent time on the Gulf Coast but mainly the Keys and the East Coast boating. My two cents to add to your knowledge. There are some wonderful guide books for this very thing but you will have to do some research. Also, you may be able to barter with local captains to go around and show you the waters. Good luck and your kids are very lucky!

I've eaten stone crab claws (yum!) in Miami, and asked the waitress what they do with the rest of the crab. She said that the claw is removed and the crabs (still alive) are thrown back in the ocean. Is this true? Just curious!

Sal-Try this newsgroup for more info:

rec.boats.cruising

Or go to Boatus.com. They have tons of info on their site and messageboards.

This is true about the crabs.

Suzanne. Stone crabs are in fact by law returned to the waters where they are harvested. In practice they are more often returned to the water as the boat, if it is a trap fisherman, returns to the dock. This is a conservation measure, as the crab has the ability to regrow one or both claws to legal size in just over a year (depending on the age of the crab). Stone crabs are omnivores, so they turn to more of a vegetation diet without their claws. Many years ago fishermen were allowed to remove only one claw but as scientific studies improved it became obvious that they can survive just fine with both removed. It`s also worth noting that even if the crab does not live long enough to regrow legal claws, she can and will produce thousands of offspring several times a year.

And Boater, thank you kindly for the webpage. I will check it out.

Sal/Dan: Yes, I remember your previous posts, and yes you were bashed, but back then you were "advertising" for another dad/kids combo to accompany you...did you change that part of your plan?

And since I was the last poster, and you never responded to my questions, I'll repeat my post:

Dan, sounds like quite an ambitious plan, but what will you do with a 7 & 8 yr old while you are busy underwater? Will they be safe/trustworthy alone on the boat? I know some kids that age that you could NOT leave alone. Are you going to freedive for the stone crabs too? ...you won't be able to use the traps unless you plan to stay in the area for a few days. How will you know where to look? Do you have a scale onboard and a current price list so you can estimate, or just barter/round things off? Where will you anchor at night - docks or out in the gulf?

Be sure and bring all that paperwork - the Marine Patrol may get on your case!

Hi Sal

Wow - What an ambitious (and courageous) endeavor. I add courageous cause I also had four kids and realize what an undertaking you're doing.

as far as gunkholes go - seems like there's some good ones around the Sarasota Bay and the north side of Longboat Key on the left. In addition, appears to be some good anchoring up near Annamaria Island where the Manatee meets the Bay. We'll envy you having this great adventure. We haven't had much opportunity to go out and drop anchor for the night in sarasota Bay but we've been doing it for years in the Chesapeake Bay.

Sal- thanks for the reply. How strange to eat part of an animal that is still alive somewhere!

J, you are correct, at that time we contemplated allowing hitch-hikers for one night camping and boating. Advertise might be a strong word, considering the father and his child would have had a grand total investment of about $50 for the adventure. But I did think it might add something to the trip for the kids...DW Sally didn`t think so tho. LOL

My kids will be with me at all times. I will be strictly freediving, and they are very used to seeing snapper flying over the gunwales every minute or so. Of course, part of the intent of the trip is to allow them to learn to harvest, I don`t want to do all the work forever! I was 40 when the oldest was born, so I look at this time with them a little more reverently than a 30 yr old might.

Sure we`ll have a scales, and sure we`ll sell for much less than the market price. After all, it`s not about making a profit, rather managing a budget that pays for the gas and allows for maximum exposure to the fun of meeting other folks in a cutting edge experience.

And yes, I`ll bring the paperwork as always. You might be surprised to know that there are nine (9) different licenses required.

LN, Thank You for the encouragement! You know the fun, sure hope you do use Sarasota bay for overnights soon. It`s a beautiful body of water. Looking in at the lights of the John Ringling Home and out at the lights of Longboat Key....on a calm night heaven on earth.

This is quite the intriguing and interesting thread.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Suzanne. I agree with you. Can`t think of any other animal harvested in this way (part removed and eaten while the animal lives on), can you? It is unique to the stone crab.

ttt

Sounds better than the all you can eat crab legs at the 'pull em in' restaurants! Is it illegal to have a cook pot on board and eat all you can on the water?

Sounds like a great option for us parents who like to see the kids have fun while we get toasted and listen to music.

I'm topping this post in hope that Sal will reply. Well, did you do it? How did it go? Did your kids go nuts, or love it, or both? Were you able to harvest and sell the stone crabs to finance your adventure? How far north did you get? Please reply!